Silicon mitigates iron deficiency in two energy cane cultivars by modulating physiological and nutritional mechanisms.

Introduction: Alkaline soils with iron (Fe) deficiency are found in many regions of the world, and the use of silicon (Si) can mitigate the damages caused by such deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Si in mitigating a moderate deficiency of Fe in two energy cane cultivars.

Methods: Two experiments were performed, one with the VX2 cultivar and the other with the VX3 cultivar of energy cane, which were cultivated in pots with sand and a nutrient solution.